Ultrasound-guided injections

The purpose of the injection is to reduce pain and/or inflammation in the affected joint or tendon.

Risks

The side effects and risks of the procedure may include:

• Small risk of infection following injections. If you experience persistent redness or swelling around the area injected or a high temperature you should see you GP or attend A&E and explain you have recently had an injection.
• Local bruising.
• Mild increase in blood sugar levels in diabetic patients for several days and may last up to a week.
• There is a small risk of depigmentation (lightening of the skin) and a skin dimple due to steroid-induced fat atrophy (loss of fat tissue).
• Transient increase in pain at the injection side before the cortisone takes effect. Occasionally this may be severe, however usually lasts only 24-48 hours and is treated with cold pack, paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication.

Aftercare

The local anaesthetic numbing affect will wear off within a few hours, after this time you may experience a small amount of discomfort.

The corticosteroid can take 2-3 days to take effect. In this time we advise you to take it easy and to avoid heavy lifting or pulling.

Alternatives

Alternatives to steroid injections may include physiotherapy or more systemic treatments (such as anti-inflammatory tablets). Surgery is also a possibility in many conditions, but this is often reserved for when conservative measures have failed. You may discuss this option with your referring clinician/doctor.

Consent

Please be aware of the risks and benefits of being administered cortisone.

You need understand that multiple injections may be required before your condition improves and that your condition may not improve even with multiple injections.

You will be provided with the opportunity to have any questions answered.